Multidimensional profiling of heterogeneity in supratentorial ependymomas - PubMed
14 hours ago
- #brain cancer
- #single-cell analysis
- #ependymoma
- Supratentorial ependymomas are aggressive childhood brain cancers with neurodevelopmental features.
- These tumors segregate into distinct molecular and clinical subgroups, indicating different developmental origins.
- Study integrates single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, live-cell imaging to define tumor cell states and behavior.
- Identifies two progenitor-like cell states: neuroepithelial-like and embryonic-like, reflecting early brain development stages.
- Reveals spatial organization influenced by mesenchymal and hypoxia signatures, with distinct local neighborhood structures.
- Brain-resident cells influence tumor heterogeneity, promoting neuronal-like cells with immature neuronal traits and migratory mechanisms.
- Some neuroepithelial-like cells exhibit both proliferative and migratory properties.
- Findings provide a framework for understanding tumor heterogeneity and potential clinical implications.